South Africa’s outdated intellectual property (IP) laws are costing the country over R47 billion annually, a dire consequence of weak frameworks unable to support the creative and innovation sectors.

In response, the WIPO-SA Summer School, hosted by Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT), is arming African innovators with tools to turn ideas into economic assets.

Running from November 25 to December 6, 2024, the program is part of a strategic collaboration between WIPO, South Africa’s National Intellectual Property Management Office (NIPMO), the Department of Science, Technology, and Innovation (DSTI), and other global partners.

It aims to address Africa’s underperformance in global patents - contributing less than 1% despite making up 17% of the world’s population.

“Hosting the WIPO-SA Summer School reflects Mangosuthu University of Technology’s commitment to turning education into action,” said Dr Mandla Victor Hlongwane, MUT’s Deputy Director of Intellectual Property.

“This program provided young professionals with the tools, knowledge, and inspiration to use intellectual property as a catalyst for sustainable development and economic growth.”

Participants in the hybrid program, which combines in-person and virtual formats, engaged in activities such as patenting indigenous knowledge and fostering green technologies. These lessons addressed real-world challenges, including the estimated $2.5 billion Africa loses annually due to inadequate IP protections.

Key speakers at the opening ceremony included KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Economic Development, Tourism, and Environmental Affairs Musa Zondi and WIPO Academy Program Officer Maria-Stella Ntamark. Ntamark praised MUT for its leadership in fostering collaboration and innovation.

“We cannot afford to see intellectual property as an abstract concept,” said Dr Jetane Charsley, Head of NIPMO.

“For Africa, it must be a strategic tool to foster economic inclusion, drive innovation, and unlock new opportunities for growth.”

The WIPO-SA Summer School concluded with certificates awarded to participants, signalling their readiness to contribute to Africa’s technological and economic advancement.

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How outdated IP laws cost South Africa over R47 billion annually